I switched from injections to gel about 3 months ago, and it seems like my levels just keep dropping. My doctor has already had to raise my dose twice. I don't see her again until the end of next month, so I thought I'd ask here first for some input.

I apply my gel later in the day, usually between 1 and 3. I know you're supposed to do it around the same time every day, is that too big of a range? Because of this, I usually haven't applied it yet when I get my bloodwork done. Do you think that's enough to make a difference? Anyone else had the same issue?

Maybe you have a harder time absorbing it through the skin, have you tried different locations?

My levels appear to be going up on the same dose, since I varied the locations I put it on. I think it absorbs better on other locations than thighs... but that's just a hunch...

I was told to only put it on my shoulders, but I do alternate sides every day. I've never even heard of anyone applying it to their thighs.

What does the rest of your routine look like when you apply?

My doctor recommended applying in the morning after a hot shower so that the pores are open to maximize absorption. I would apply to both shoulders and my stomach and then let it air dry for about ten minutes before getting dressed. I had to be careful not to sweat too much for the first few hours after applying. My levels were consistently between 600-900.

Quote from: FTMax on February 15, 2017, 06:16:25 PM
What does the rest of your routine look like when you apply?

My doctor recommended applying in the morning after a hot shower so that the pores are open to maximize absorption. I would apply to both shoulders and my stomach and then let it air dry for about ten minutes before getting dressed. I had to be careful not to sweat too much for the first few hours after applying. My levels were consistently between 600-900.

I don't usually put it on directly after I shower, maybe I'll try that. I don't do it in the morning because I don't like showering in the morning, plus I usually go to the gym later in the day and I want to shower after that. My doctor said that cis males' T levels are usually the highest in the morning, but I don't know how much that really matters in this context as long as I'm putting it on at the same time every day. I actually usually wait 20-30 minutes for it to dry before getting dressed, nobody really told me how long it takes so I just guessed lol.

I don't bother showering everyday (every other day yeah) but apply gel in the morning; usually between half 9 and 11ish. I feel it's best to apply it in the morning as it's 'more natural'. I'm on testogel which dries quickly; about 2 mins. I was accidentally given testim a few times which I found doesn't dry at all.

I had my blood tested 3 months ago and although I'm in the normal male range my T levels were still low but that may just be what's normal for me. My doctor suggested applying it at night to see if I felt any different as he said T troughed higher at night; which tbh I didn't really understand.

I apply gel on my belly when I wake up as I only have to be half awake and can just go back to sleep for a few minutes while it dries. I'm not really a shower in the morning person, especially because putting on a binder straight after a shower always annoys me.

Doctor has said my levels are looking really good on gel so far.